Still the One

by Harper Bliss

All great love stories deserve a second act

Mac and Jamie had their life together all planned out. Until Jamie did the unforgivable and left Mac for another woman.

Twenty years later, they meet again for the first time at a friend’s wedding.

Mac’s pain lingers, while Jamie is still haunted by regret.

Can they let go of their history and open their hearts to the possibility of a second chance?

Find out in this gripping tale of forgiveness and the power of true love.

Genres: Romance, Lesbian, Audiobook, Second Chance, LGBT, Contemporary, Queer

229 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 14, 2023

About the author

Harper Bliss is a best-selling lesbian romance author. Among her most-loved books are the highly dramatic French Kissing and the often thought-provoking Pink Bean series. She is the co-founder of My LesFic, a weekly newsletter offering discount deals on lesbian fiction.

Harper lived in Hong Kong for 7 years, travelled the world for a bit, and has now settled in Brussels (Belgium) with her wife and photogenic cat, Dolly Purrton.

Together with her wife, she hosts a weekly podcast called Harper Bliss & Her Mrs.

Reviews

[queer_aussie_reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes I need a minute after a Harper Bliss book – and Still the One resonated so deeply with me, I’ve been replaying it in my head for days. All of Bliss’ stories are intensely character-driven, some more than others, and these are my favourites.
I’m one of those readers who doesn’t cry easily, and I don’t tend to require trigger warnings, but Still the One had my eyes misting with tears within the first twenty per cent, and then many times after. Bliss writes with such compassion and understanding for her characters that it is hard not to become emotionally invested in their journeys of redemption, even though they may be painful to read at times.

Mac and Jamie had a fairy-tale love story until Jamie cheated and broke both of their hearts. Twenty years later, they meet again and can’t stay away from each other, but Mac is still holding the pain of the betrayal, and Jamie has never forgiven herself.

Cheating is one of those taboo subjects that some readers will balk at, because the pain lingers no matter how much time passes, and the idea of connecting with or liking a character who has been unfaithful seems unlikely. But Bliss handles it with grace, showing the complexity of human relationships and the potential for forgiveness.

Still, the one is a heart-wrenching, soul-warming second chance romance that is bound to be one of the most memorable stories of the year.

[Elske · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed it very much. Recommend

[Linda]

A definite mixed read for me where I’m leaning more towards NAY than YAY. Others might love it but it’s just not for me. I just don’t get it how Jamie can just pick herself up and leave Mac after a decade together with their future all planned, a future that she envisioned as well - cos she is in love with Cherry? Like WTF?? And she can’t even explain why she did what she did other than I loved Cherry. Boo-hoo.

And Mac…what can I say? 20 years is too long to not enjoy your life and have the life/family that you always wanted especially if you have the means to it. If Suzanne can do it alone, so can you. Too bad that you can only see the not-so-positive aspect of it though.

As much as I love a HEA, this is one HEA that I just don’t fancy. I didn’t enjoy the ride to the HEA.

[Meredith · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was not for me. I am one for well written second chance books but unfortunately this wasn't one.
The redemption plot was just not enough, jamie cheated on mac 20 yrs ago but there wasn't much guilt nor grovelling.
There was a lot of fcking and not enough talking.
Jamie was really insufferable. She was hoping to get closer to Mac, to get closer to her after what she had done to her before she even apologised.
Also Max was so indecisive. this combination was what killed the story for me.
The way the cheating was dealt with was horrible. Jamie's reasoning for her cheating just irked me.
1 star

[Howard · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars for Still the One (audiobook) by Harper Bliss read by Abby Craden.

Can two women find love again after 20 years apart and an awful breakup? Mac and Jamie certainly give it a try.

[Jennabeebs79 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twenty years after an explosive breakup, Mac and Jamie attend a mutual friend's nuptials in Maui. To say Mac still harbors anger and resentment is an understatement, however, she’s classy enough to keep everything polite and amicable for the wedding.

Harper Bliss opted to write this tale from both main characters’ first-person points of view, which I feel was the best move. This way, readers are granted access to all of Mac and Jamie’s thoughts, feelings, and emotions, a necessary element to understanding their new dynamic. The actions are believable and the dialogue is witty and engaging. The supporting characters are delightful, and supportive, and really help to further the plot. Revising with Leila and Isabel from A Breathless Place makes my heart happy.

Jamie left Mac for another woman twenty years ago and doesn’t once try to make excuses for her behavior. Mac’s pain and anger have been a real hindrance to her emotional growth over the years. The two women are meant to be together and Harper Bliss does a truly wonderful job telling their story. It’s messy, raw, and powerful. The angst is there at the center but I never once had to roll my eyes and tell them to get on with it. The story flows naturally and is really believable. Their chemistry is palpable from the first moment they are reacquainted and never let up.

Still the One by Harper Bliss is a steamy, emotional tale about forgiveness, acceptance, and trust. It’s fast-moving with wonderful main and supporting characters which I had a difficult time putting down.

I received an ARC copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Tere · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harper Bliss can be pretty amazing. Another uncomfortable set of circumstances. Another how in the world are they going to pull this off. Yet, another couple I rooted for. Love the main’s inner monologue. Bliss’ emotional descriptions usually resonate with me and this book is no exception. And not an age gap! ;)

[Guerunche · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harper Bliss is the master of making the impossible possible.

She has been tackling some serious challenges in some of her latest books. One was about a woman who falls in love with her brother's wife. Major taboo. And this second chance romance has to do with two women who are brought together 20 years after a painful breakup when one cheated the other, completely devastating her and throwing her life off course. When I see these scenarios I think, "How in the heck is she going to pull this one off?" And yet she always manages it. Not only manages - but expertly weaves the stories with painful, relatable honesty and insight. She doesn't cut corners or throw in ridiculous excuses for character behavior, but works through them in a way that encourages reader buy-in. 

The Harper Bliss/Abby Craden combo is another of those dream teams that put them on the autobuy list. I don't even bother reading what they are about - just take my money. Especially now. Harper has been on a roll with these since A Breathless Place and I love every single one. For fans of that book, many of Harper's releases since have had interconnected characters - most of them associated with Isabel Adler. So it's kind of like Alice's "Chart" from the original L Word, with how people in the community are connected to one another. Very fun and I can't wait to see what we'll get next from her!

I also appreciated that this audiobook was six hours long. While I love a lengthy, meaty story, it's nice to have shorter books in between. This was an entertaining, moving and satisfying listen. Definitely recommend!

[Rain G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh Harper Bliss...
I like it when this author takes me out of my comfort zone, making myself reconsider things that I believed I'd never change my mind about.

Reminds me that real life is not always as perfect as we expected.

Bliss writing is wonderful, the book is entertaining, and the story hooked me from page one.

4 stars 🌟

[A. J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harper Bliss does it again with Still The One!
Bliss has the ability to weave a story that captivates from the get go! The angst, the laughter, the crying, the love! WOW!

What impression does your first true love leave on your life?
How do you cope when you are abandoned for another?
What is your reaction when you meet them after 20 years apart?

These are the issues that Gabrielle Mackenzie (Mac) faces when she meets her former partner Jamie Sullivan at a friend's destination wedding.
The answers to these questions are in this well written, steamy, hard to put down, second chance romance that features two characters from previous books.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I was captivated from the first page, and yes what Mac and Jamie went through was very realistic and relatable. It was hard to stop reading once I started.
I highly recommend you go out and get Still The One, you will not be sorry!

[Fran Sappharc · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well! This is an unusual book, it is a second chance, but unusually the barrier is a pretty big one.
I was hooked on the mains journey. They reconnected physically quite quickly and effectively (It’s a Bliss book!) However the mental connection or rather reconnection took longer, practically the whole book in fact. Great to see an author confident in their pacing, not padding out, but laying out, the journey. Although this has the Bliss hallmark of heat it has the other of heart. Another good book!

[Dr. T · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked the first part of the book, Mac and Jamie seemed interesting. Their past full of regrets, which may or not be resolved. They had good chemistry and I was engrossed in the story. But as the book moved past the halfway mark it just repeated every conversation and feeling they had over and over again til I was genuinely over it.
"Mac I'm sorry, give us a chance"
"No Jamie, it's never happening, im too hurt"
Preceed to have sex.
And repeat.
Harpers a good writer, but this story felt like she just threw together instead of exploring more of the characters, their lives and relationships.

[Romina · Rating 4 out of 5]

از بدیای استفاده‌ی همزمان از story graph و گودریدز اینه که گاهی وقتا یه جا یه کتابو آپدیت میکنم و یادم میره توی اونیکی اپ آپدیت نکردم.
این کتابو پریروز تموم کردم و یه کتاب کوتاه و دوست داشتنی بود. فکر کنم اولین باری بود که شخصیت‌های کتابی که میخوندم سنشون یکم بیشتر بود ولی با این حال از قشنگیش برام کم نکرد.
معمولا من تروپ second chance romance رو خیلی دوست دارم و این کتاب یکی از بهترین مثال‌هاش بود. حس بعد از ۲۰ سال اولین بار دیدن یه اکس که عزیزترین آدم زندگیت بوده و بیشترین آسیب رو بهت زده ولی بهترین تجربه‌ها رو هم باهاش داشتی و انتخاب اینکه کدوم کفه‌ی ترازو سنگین‌تره و حاضری ببخشیش یا نه خیلی جالب بود.
قلم هارپر رو دوست دارم. نمیدونم چقدر میتونم با سن شخصیت‌ها کنار بیام توی کتابای دیگه‌ش ولی اینجا که اذیتم نکرد (۵۰ سالشون بود و خب...همسن مامان و بابام بودن😂)

[Autumn Aria · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story of second chances.

Throughout the book we are constantly reminded of the betrayal and heartbreak, the broken dreams and lost hope, the regrets and yearnings. So profound was the breakup, even after twenty years, they aren't still over it. The fear of being betrayed and forsaken, proving to be an almost insurmountable obstacle in rekindling the flames of love that once burned bright. On the other hand, the flames of passion seem to burn even brighter, since they apparently can't get their hands out of each other's pants since reconnecting at a friend's wedding.

And still the heartbroken is not willing to reopen and trust the heartbreaker fully even after two decades. Each giving their reasons and arguments for or against getting back together and having to face and come to terms with their painful past.

It is a touching tale of love lost and love refound. Even after all the decades, they are still the one for each other.

[Stephanie · Rating 1 out of 5]

this book was a mess.

[currentlyreadingbynat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mac and Jamie were soulmates who broke up 20 years ago but reunite at a friend's wedding. Their break up was rough, as Jamie cheated on Mac and left her completely devastated. So much so, that 20 years later and Mac still carries a lot of baggage from the break up. Their reunion brings a whole lot of feelings to the surface and this novel takes us on the journey of them both sorting through the past and how they can possibly navigate a future together.

What I really liked about this novel was the way Harper Bliss navigates this complex romance. At no point did I feel as though it was rushed. Both characters spend time dealing with their big feelings either alone or together, and it made the end result (their reunion) feel realistic and justified. There is a lot of angst in this, however there is also a lot of steam to make up for it. A Harper Bliss tactic that always seems to win me over.

A great new release by Harper Bliss and I'll be on the look out for the audiobook in the future too.

Many thanks to Harper Bliss for providing me a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up this gem after reading the blurb. I mainly wanted to see how Bliss would work out this second chance romance after a person has cheated. I have found the answer....she does it extremely well. Loved this one! 5 stars

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like the way Harper Bliss writes. Her style is easy going and character interactions are chef's kiss good. I grabbed the audiobook version of this one and set about my day. Ok, this story is good, but... I was uncomfortable with the main characters. Although Mac and Jamie split 20 years ago, Mac had issues that has plagued her all her life. Trust. Missing out on a family. Love. Relationship. So, when they meet again finally at a friend's wedding old feelings arise. I found it hard to deal with the ins and outs of Mac and Jamie, but nevertheless, it is still a good Harper Bliss book. The uncomfortable feelings are all mine and I do recommend this book.

[Annemarie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was kinda disappointing for me. The characters were too wishy-washy. Everything managed to move both very slow and very fast at the same time. They have sex instantly. But their relationship takes a lot longer. It's just not something I personally enjoy.
There's the whole cheating/betrayal thing.

What I did really like was that the book was about older lesbians, which is quite rare. The book just didn't work for me personally.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hated the plot sooo very much!! Did not like either one of our main ladies. I actually only read it b/c I love Bliss so much. This is one book I will not be buying.
The story is good but I have no desire to read it again.
I don’t care for second chance novels where someone is unfaithful. I know just a story but I feel it makes the other person so weak pining over someone who cheated.
Maybe I’m a bitch lol..if I am …so be it!

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5. Jamie and Mac broke up 20 years ago when one of them cheated. They meet again at a friend's wedding and thus begins 200 pages of shagging and lesbian processing. That's really all there is to this book. Other reviewers seeming to like it so far but I was left feeling like I'd wasted my money unfortunately.

[Lez_be_readin_ya · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was brilliant the connection between Jamie and Mac is palpable even after twenty years apart. The love, passion and chemistry in this book. It is beautifully written! The big question is can Mac give Jamie the forgiveness she desires and let love win? You will have to read the book when it is released on June 14th 🗓 Add to your calendar people it is definitely one to read! I highly recommend it!

Thank you Harper for the ARC I thoroughly enjoyed the book and am honoured to have had the opportunity to read it in advance 😍

Star rating. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice rating. 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[Molly · Rating 1 out of 5]

not enough groveling for a second chance romance when one of them is a big fat cheater

[Marian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific Story and a a great listen.

[Vita L. Licari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mac and Jamie were together for 10 years in 2003, and 3 months from their commitment ceremony when Jamie calls it off to go with another woman. She shattered Mac's heart. Now, 20 yrs later they both are in Maui for a mutual friend's wedding. Let's just say the sex is HOT, and Mac needs to take down the walls around her heart. This is a great read! 5 stars!

[Sara · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was going to give it a 3, but then they ended it with “I loaf you”.

[JP Munroe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Harper Bliss is the mistress of angst and let me put this out there straight away this book is full of it; angst and regret. Narrated in alternating dual first person, we are given insight into both Mac and Jamie’s points of view and Bliss handles this gloriously. The first part of the book guides the reader through their first meeting in twenty years after a traumatic breakup. This is classic Bliss and I loved it.

Still the One is beautifully written and observed, with wonderful main characters and a heartwarming cast of secondary characters who bring depth and colour to the narrative. However, I thought the book lost traction in the second half with both plot and action lacking. It becomes more of a series of confessions and self recriminations, which (if I’m brutally honest) become a little repetitive.

Ultimately, I was left both satisfied (with the perfect happy ending) and wanting more - more of their witty banter, more of their past relationship, more of their breakup, more interaction with their friends and families - just a bit more! Having said that I devoured the book in two sittings!!!

I received an ARC in return for an honest review.

[Lindsey Wallace-Galli · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my favorite by Harper Bliss. I felt like the plot was redundant and what the characters were saying were repetitive. It was a nice and beautiful love story between the two characters, Jamie and Mac with Jamie’s history of infidelity

[Heidy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whatever the narrator got paid, double it. Abby Carden is so phenomenal, you’d think this was duet narration.

This book was surprisingly grounded, gritty and real. A second chance romance full of pining and remorse, just toxic enough and I was feeling it.

[Courtney · Rating 2 out of 5]

The amount of internal monologuing in this (on both sides) was kinda exhausting